View Vacancy -- Domestic Services Supervisor (Maternity Cover) - Operations Group - Domestic Services - LMB 2543

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology and has played an important role in the development of many new techniques, most notably protein crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, DNA sequencing and monoclonal antibodies. The LMB has a clear goal of understanding biological processes at the molecular level, with the ultimate aim of using this knowledge to tackle specific problems in human health and disease. We aim to tackle difficult, long-term problems, which often require investment over many years.

There are four scientific Divisions - Structural Studies, Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Cell Biology and Neurobiology. However, scientific collaboration between the different Divisions is extensive. Scientists are well supported by excellent scientific facilities and by the LMB Operations Group which maintains the core infrastructure and services of the institute.

The LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both new and established researchers. Scientists are drawn to the LMB from all over the world, thus creating a lively and international community for the exchange of ideas and technical innovation

Overall purpose: 

To provide day-to-day supervision, direction, guidance and support for the large team (approximately 27 staff) of Domestic Services Assistants, including Hazardous Waste Technicians, within the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) to ensure they carry out their roles effectively and provide an excellent cleaning and waste disposal service.

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

•    Plan rotas and allocate work so that all cleaning requirements are covered, especially when unexpected absences occur. This includes being prepared to work hands-on, when required, i.e. during holiday, sickness or unexpected absence.
•    Assist the Domestic Services Manager in ensuring a high quality of service output from the team. Carry out Quality Control monitoring of all areas, on a rolling basis, suggesting improvements and re-training staff where necessary.
•    Assist the Domestic Services Manager with staff communication, welfare and support, mentoring and development.
•    Support individuals and the team; escalating any concerns or issues to the Domestic Services Manager in a timely manner.
•    Assist the Domestic Services Manager with staff training, adherence to policy and procedures and ensuring a full understanding of safe working practices. This includes providing a full induction as well as giving practical demonstrations of methods, standards required and use of cleaning equipment.
•    Assist the Domestic Services Manager in ensuring that staff are using mechanical and electrical equipment in a safe and correct manner, using appropriate methods of work and complying with training and PPE requirements.
•    Help ensure the safety of all members of the Domestic Services team in accordance with the LMB policies and procedures, particularly within the goods in yard and surrounding area.
•    Assist in the resolution of enquiries and problems from building users, as and when they occur.
•    Ensure all areas managed by Domestic Services, are kept clean, orderly and safe with good separation and segregation of waste types, reporting any defects that may occur. This includes waste compounds (including the hazardous waste compound), autoclave/laundry room and storage rooms.
•    Supervise the rolling programme of floor scrubbing, buffing and cleaning of carpets as required.
•    Supervise any rolling programme of deep cleans organised by the Domestic Services Manager.
•    Oversee the organisation of weekly laundering of lab coats.
•    Ensure adequate stocks of cleaning consumables are maintained in the central store and within localised cleaning cupboards.
•    Order consumables in the Domestic Services Manager’s absence.
•    Deputise for the Domestic Services Manager in their absence.

Working relationships: 

•    You will report to the Domestic Services Manager, communicating with them daily to ensure efficient and effective collaboration.
•    You will supervise the Domestic Services and Hazardous Waste Team.
•    You will be required to interact with scientific and support staff at all levels.

Education / qualifications / training required: 

Essential: 
•    NVQ Level 2 in Cleaning and Support Services, or equivalent qualification.

Desirable:
•    NVQ Level 3 in Cleaning and Support Services, or equivalent qualification.
•    IOSH Managing Safely.

Previous work experience required: 

Essential: 
•    Experience in a supervisory cleaning role.
•    Proven experience of all major cleaning processes.
•    Proven knowledge of safe use of various types of cleaning machinery.

Desirable: 
•    Experience of working in a laboratory, research or hospital environment. 

Knowledge and experience: 

Essential: 
•    Experience in supervising and managing a large team.
•    A good knowledge of Health & Safety regulations and legislation, including COSHH, within the domestic services environment.
•    Experience of implementing and adhering to standards and procedures.
•    Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and previous use of electronic ordering systems. 

Desirable: 
•    Experience in preparing COSHH assessments, SOPs and risk assessments.
•    A sound knowledge of safe manual handling.
•    Experience of delivering training.
•    Basic office/administrative skills.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities: 

Essential: 
•    Ability to motivate and encourage staff to work efficiently and achieve a high standard of work.
•    Ability to plan and prioritise the work of a team and individuals.
•    Ability to work efficiently and effectively on your own with minimal supervision.
•    Proven ability to make decisions and solve problems independently whilst also recognising when to escalate to a manager.
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills.
•    Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills.
•    Good leadership skills.
•    Ability to work under pressure but constructively, collaboratively and productively with others.
•    A high level of discretion and confidentially.
•    Desire to attend in-house training and advance in learning and abilities.

You must at all times carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the UKRI: 
•    Code of Conduct
•    Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy
•    Health and Safety policy
•    Data Protection policy

Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal.  Any changes should be made and agreed between you and your manager.

The above lists are not exhaustive, and you are required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post.  All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post, the MRC and UKRI.  

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.